News

Watson set for White House event

Russell Watson has been given a rare honour for a Briton - being invited to perform at the White House for Independence Day celebrations.

The singer will play at the event in Washington DC on July 4, which will also act as a send-off for US Olympic athletes.

It comes after a major event at the city's Capitol Hill last month had to be abandoned following a heavy downpour, and he was unable to perform to 350,000 people.

However, the tenor and the other artists were ushered to a private hall in the Capitol Building where he gave an impromptu performance for guests - and impressed them enough to be asked to be the sole UK performer at the White House.

Russell - whose latest album, Anthems: Music To Inspire A Nation, made the top five - said: "I've not visited the States for a few years and to be invited twice in succession to such prestigious events is such an honour.

"It's a great privilege for me to be singing for the American Olympic team, sending them on their way to the UK for the Olympic Games this year, it's exciting to be a part of the 4th of July celebrations."